Dr Monica Cations is a senior clinical psychologist working within the geriatric care services in South Australia Health. She has worked with older adults and people with dementia for nearly two decades, adapting her clinical skills to meet the unique needs of these populations. She has a special interest in supporting older people who have survived psychologically traumatic events. In addition to her clinical work, Dr Cations is also a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University.

Darrin Penola is a registered nurse with 35+ years of experience, of which over 20 are in respiratory medicine as a Clinical Nurse Consultant. He has a Graduate Diploma and Master of Nursing in Critical Care, having worked as a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist in ICU/Cardiology & ED in Australia and internationally. Darrin is the Nursing Clinical Lead for the Chronic Lung Disease Service which includes Pulmonary Rehab, the Respiratory Failure/Non Invasive Ventilation Service, the Pleural Service and the Respiratory Co-clinical Lead for the Leading Better Value Care (LBVC) and 3Ci in St Vincent's Health Network. He is also involved in Outpatient clinics and Non-Admitted Care of these services. Darrin has a passion for clinical standards and education.

Keryln has extensive clinical experience and is committed to research and education within the domains of wound and ostomy care. She is Chair of the Wounds Australia Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and Australia Wound Standards Committee and Chairs the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. She was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Wound Management Association (now Wounds Australia) in 2006 and Life Membership of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses in 2015. She is a lead researcher in the Silver Chain and Curtin University Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) projects.

Vivienne is the principal presenter and facilitator for Leaders in Leading and has a background in management, training, personal development and events coordination. She has over 20 years’ experience as a consultant, facilitator, counsellor and coach. Her strength is in building positive relationships in the workplace through self-mastery, communication and understanding, as opposed to bullying, fear and intimidation. Vivienne has presented in healthcare and nursing forums and has worked closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Liz is the Stroke Nurse Practitioner at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), Sydney. She has an extensive neuroscience nursing background, and currently works in the TIA and stroke outpatient clinic at RNSH, providing comprehensive assessment and management for TIA and stroke patients. Liz was responsible for the implementation of the Acute Stroke Unit at RNSH in 1997. Liz has lectured for Sydney University in the Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner course and provides national webinars in her role with the Australian Stroke Nurses Education Network (ASNEN). Liz has published in peer reviewed journals on acute stroke nursing and TIA management and has co-authored acute stroke chapters in Medical–Surgical textbooks.

Ilsa has over twenty years of experience in human services and education, most of which has included a focus on integrated spiritual care. Ilsa is currently a director on the board of Palliative Care Australia, chair of the Australian Association of Gerontology Victorian Executive Committee and CEO of Optometry Victoria South Australia, and previously served as CEO of peak body Meaningful Ageing Australia from 2016 to 2022. Whilst at Meaningful Ageing, Ilsa led the development of the popular ‘See me. Know me.’ campaign and supporting materials, in addition to creating more than twenty resources to assist aged care services understand and respond to the spirituality of older people. This work was built on ten years in spiritual care leadership including, at various stages, a position on the board of Meaningful Ageing (previously PASCOP), as well as clinical pastoral education supervision and various senior roles at Baptcare.

Professor Brian Draper's interests are on clinical aspects of mental health problems in old age. Brian collaborates with a range of institutions around Australia including Flinders University, Griffith University, University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney. His other main area of interest is depression and suicidal behaviour in late life with collaborative work funded by ARC and NHMRC being undertaken with colleagues around Australia and internationally. Brian is on the research advisory committee for the LifeSpan project of suicide prevention and is an associate investigator on the 'Under the Radar' project both run by the Black Dog Institute. Other current work includes the investigation of self-harm in people with dementia.

Dr John Barlow graduated with an M.B., B.S. in 1979 and began practicing general medicine in 1981 in NSW, Australia. He currently focuses on minor surgery, cardiovascular medicine and diabetes. Dr Barlow is the Principal GP of a large medical centre, run by local general practitioners. Over the years, his role has shifted from full-time clinical practice to teaching younger GPs and medical students from the University of Notre Dame, while still maintaining clinical commitments. He obtained a Diploma in Sports Medicine from the University of NSW in 1983 and has been a member of the NSW and Federal AMA since 1981. Additionally, he is a member of the Sydney South West Primary Health Network and serves on various advisory boards and steering committees with the pharmaceutical industry, offering advice on marketing and GP educational programs.

Suzanne Mumford has been working with people with dementia for over 30 years; she is passionate about ensuring that the people receiving care have a compassionate and, dignified experience. To achieve this, care teams need to be inspired, empowered and enabled with knowledge and skills that meet the intricate needs of people living with dementia.

Joanne Russell is a Nurse Practitioner, endorsed in 2012, who specialises in the care of the older person. Her work in Gerontology has spanned the past 18 years, working in both the acute care sector and residential care in Australia and New Zealand. The Nurse Practitioner role has three main aims; reducing unplanned transfer to hospital, optimising outcomes when external referral is required and reviewing medications.

Professor Steve Macfarlane is the Head of Clinical Services at The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, where he coordinates a team of geriatricians and old age psychiatrists who provide support to the National DBMAS (Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service) and SBRT (Severe Behaviour Response Team) programmes. He is also the Chair of the Binational Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry for RANZCP Australia/New Zealand. He was the longest serving Director of Aged Care Psychiatry (8yrs) in Caulfield Hospital (Alfred Health) and also spent nearly 5 years as Director of Aged Psychiatry, Deputy Director of Psychiatry, Peninsula Health.

Jackie Moore has worked in the mental health and wellbeing sector over 23 years. She is a registered Social Work & Social Work Supervisor, Business & Management Coach and most importantly a wife & mother. Jackie has a Bachelor of Social Work from Massey, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and an MBA from the University of Canterbury and a long history in the wellbeing space.

Dr Joanna Patching is an Associate Professor of Mental Health Nursing. Joanna combines many years of research, academic teaching and clinical experience, specifically for clients and their carers seeking support with their mental health. Her passion is implementing evidence-based practice and developing and strengthening the skills of future clinicians in providing person-centred care.

Fiona Hodson is a Pain Management Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Hunter Integrated Pain Service NSW, Australia, who has worked in all aspects of pain service delivery over the last 22 years. Fiona was president of the Australian Pain Society (APS) from 2017-2019 with a particular interest in pain in the elderly. During her tenure on the APS board, she coordinated the revision of the internationally recognised Pain in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Management Strategies, 2nd Edition (RACF2), as well as being a co-author. She is currently working collaboratively with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), on developing a Pain Management Guidelines Implementation Toolkit to align with the RACF2 pain guidelines. Fiona’s passion for advocating for people experiencing pain is evidenced by her ongoing clinical and consumer representation on various national committees and working parties and has been an active board member of Chronic Pain Australia(CPA) since 2010.

Josie Winter is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advanced Clinical Solutions Ltd., a professional services provider of patient safety, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement support to private healthcare organisations. With 18 years of public and private healthcare experience and a proven track record of training and quality improvement success, Josie is a passionate and conscientious clinical consultant fuelled by her love of all thing’s healthcare. She also has a keen interest in Infection Prevention & Control having gained an MSc in the subject, as well as developing training programmes.

Lisa Campbell is the National Infection Prevention and Control Manager at Bolton Clarke. Lisa manages the Infection Prevention and Control Program, mentors 48 IPC leads across the business and coordinates the Bolton Clarke Care Deployment Teams for COVID-19 outbreaks. Lisa has 16 years of experience in Infection Prevention and Control, providing guidance in the private, public and not for profit healthcare sectors in acute care, residential aged care, at home support and residential living settings. Lisa has a Masters in Nursing Science: Infection Prevention and Control.

Bec Bishop is a Registered Nurse with over twenty years experience in the Aged Care industry. Bec’s experience includes an extensive knowledge of all operational roles within a Residential Aged Care home. Her broad range of proficiencies support her ability to provide direction and leadership in: • Clinical expertise • Management • Governance and policy development • Accreditation support and response • Continuous Improvement programs • Infection Prevention and Control • Outbreak management plan development • Clinical support in COVID outbreak Bec’s achievements include adaptation to changeswithin the industry which she has been successful in implementing into her current work practice. Bec has been recognised by her industry peers as a “People Leader” in Residential Aged Care. Bec’s strengths include collaboration with residents, families, and Health professionals to ensure a partnership in person centered care is applied and residents feel empowered to communicate their individual needs. Bec is highly motivated, enthusiastic, and eager to develop and share knowledge on best practice within the Aged Care Industry.

Di Thomas is a leader in Aged Care with extensive experience in operational and governance roles within the Aged Care industry. Recent experience as a Leader in a COVID positive Residential Aged Care Home. Di graduated as a Registered Nurse and has undertaken post graduate studies in Master of Gerontology (Charles Sturt University), Diploma of Dementia Care (University of Tasmania), Diploma of Quality Auditing (LASA) and Infection Prevention and Control in Aged Care Setting (ACIPC). Di has worked as a Registered Nurse over 35 years across rural acute, indigenous primary health services and Aged Care, her focus and passion in Aged Care is to deliver positive outcomes for residents and families and support staff in the industry. The last 10 years Di has been working with leading not-for-profit aged care providers in senior roles. This includes, management roles and compliance to ensure positive outcomes for residents in care.

Roderick is an old age psychiatrist, current Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a conjoint Senior Lecturer with the University of New South Wales. Dr. McKay has worked for many years with specialist mental health services for older people in outer metropolitan Sydney, seeing older people in hospital and in their homes, including residential aged care.

Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli is a founding member of the Continence Foundation of Australia and first Australian Physiotherapist member of the International Continence Society and lays claim to being the first Australian Physiotherapist Continence Adviser. She is a Research Associate with the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, immediate past Scientific Editor of the Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal and a member of the steering committee of the Australian National Continence Management Program - The Bladder Bowel Collaborative. As well as her PhD, Pauline has a Master’s degree in Medical Science in Health Promotion: a degree that has proven effective in her continence promotion efforts to “dry up Australia”. Her Master Thesis was “Incontinence During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Opportunities for Continence Promotion” while her PhD thesis explored “Female Urinary Incontinence in Australia: Prevalence and Prevention in Postpartum Women”. For the last eight years Pauline has convened the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Undergraduate program at the University of Newcastle NSW Australia while her current research involves male continence issues associated with treatment for prostate cancer.

Dr. Sean Lubbe qualified as a medical practitioner in 2001 and as a Psychiatrist in 2010. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ( FRANZCP ), and Accredited Member of the faculty of old age psychiatry ( FPOA ) and a member of the royal college of psychiatrists ( MRCPsych). He was awarded a masters in medical ethics and law ( King's college london ) in 2010. Dr Lubbe is a Senior staff specialist psychiatrist in Sydney local health district where he provides clinical leadership in an Older people’s mental health services. A multidisciplinary team of professionals who provided comprehensive care to older adults presenting with mental illness and cognitive disorders. As an honorary clinical lecturer in the faculty of medicine and health at the university of sydney, Dr Lubbe pursues his interest in teaching medical students. His interest in education extends to improving the knowledge of patients, their carers and provider organisations. He has published original research in his field.

Penny is a consultant accredited pharmacist with 20 years of experience in providing medication management reviews and quality use of medicines services to aged care facilities. Penny is skilled in developing and implementing policies and procedures and in providing education to facility staff to promote a high level of pharmaceutical care.

A/Prof Newman L. Harris is a medical specialist with formal training in Rehabilitation Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pain Medicine. He held a long-standing position at the University of Sydney’s Pain Management and Research Institute and has more recently contributed to Griffith University on the Gold Coast. A/Prof Harris completed his medical degree at UNSW, receiving the Foundation Year Graduates Medal in 1984. He was later awarded a fellowship by the NSW Institute of Psychiatry to explore psychiatric aspects of pain under Prof Michael Cousins AO and went on to complete a Master’s in Pain Medicine at Sydney University. He holds dual fellowships with the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPMANZCA) and the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). A/Prof Harris has served in numerous leadership and advisory roles, including nine years on the FPMANZCA Board, four of which he spent as Chair of Examinations. He has also held positions with Pain Australia, the Australian Pain Society, and the RANZCP. He continues to contribute to regulatory and advisory bodies in NSW. In 2025, he received the Robert Orton Medal—the highest honour from the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists—for his distinguished service to Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. From 2000 to 2020, he played a key role in Sydney Medical School’s postgraduate Pain Management program before joining Griffith University.

As an RN and Specialist Dermatology Nurse, Jan has spent 34 years of her nursing career mostly as a rural practice nurse, the past 18 years being focused on generalist dermatology. This has provided experience in skin issues across all age groups, including the many sub specialty areas of dermatology. Her role has always included an educational focus for colleagues, whether nurses transitioning into dermatology or as professional development and competency development of dermatology, aged care or primary care practice nurses. She completed her Masters of Nursing in 2003, focusing on Dermatology. Jan has also held an active interest in the Professional aspects of her specialty, and has held committee positions for the Australian Dermatology Nurses’ Association (ADNA), including President (2004-07).

Paul Creek has provided Consulting Services to the Health and Aged Care Industries for the past 16 years across Australia, Asia and New Zealand with his Sydney based company, Creek Solutions. Paul consults in Hospitality Services Management predominantly in the areas of kitchen production and service, food safety/HACCP, laundry, cleaning and maintenance. He consults on the ideal design of new builds in aged and health care, hotel back of house including laundry, dirty utility rooms (DUR) and kitchens, and has been called on from organisations in Europe, UK, USA and Singapore for input into process management for support services. Managing infection control processes is another expertise of Paul’s and he is often sought after for advice on its control. An advocate for microfibre cleaning processes, Paul has led the industry in Australia with contemporary practices and was the first to introduce ozone into his organisation, a green initiative for energy and water savings to Australia.

Roy has worked for ACON Health (formerly the AIDS Council of NSW) for over a decade. He trained as nurse, and when HIV became a threat across his community he volunteered for Victorian AIDS Council and working as an operating theatre nurse before joining ACON NSW. His role as care coordinator has included beginning training aged service providers in LGBTI sensitivity for ageing clients requiring care. He began training service providers (wrote his own program). He has co-written and presented programs on LGBTI for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, keynote speaker at the Psychogeriatric Nurse Annual Conference. Regular presentations to Social Welfare and Aged Care students at NR TAFE Colleges. He attends inter-agencies for ageing and disability in the Northern Rivers region. He was appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (NSW) and recently co-authored along with Professor Tracey MacDonald a paper on Cumulative Disadvantage Across a Life Span.

Karen is a skilled leadership development professional with over 25 years’ experience in designing and implementing leadership and management development programmes to assist individuals, teams and organisations achieve their goals. She has a proven track record of successful work across the private, public and third sectors. Karen is currently Programme Head for Leadership and Management at Skills for Care (SfC) where she leads on the design and delivery of support and development for leaders and managers across the social care sector in England. Prior to this, she was Leadership and Management Specialist at Skills for Justice (SfJ), working with employers, practitioners and service users across the UK to co-create the development resource Learning about collaboration in action (SfJ, 2013). In both her current and previous roles, Karen has applied her knowledge and experience in research and leadership development in adopting an appreciative inquiry approach to the identification of the leadership capabilities needed for effective cross-sector collaboration. Most recently this has included the engagement of 500 social care leaders and managers in co-designing SfC’s development offer to the sector - New visions for leadership (SfC, 2017).

John Taylor has over 45 years’ experience and accumulated knowledge related to the cleaning industry. Initially managing a large contract cleaning company, he then established a commercial cleaning products supply business. Following the sale of his business in 2017, John maintains an active role as a specialist consultant to this organisation. Over the last decade he has been closely involved in the aged and healthcare sectors as a cleaning advisor, with a particular emphasis on infection control and cross contamination. He was involved in the introduction of colour coding of cleaning equipment into the aged care, healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors and was one of the pioneers with microfibre flat mopping in aged and healthcare. John strongly advocates for the importance of the cleaner’s role in breaking the contamination cycle, but particularly with our most vulnerable population in the aged care sector.

Maria has worked in the Aged Care Industry since 1997. She has worked as a Care Manager in a Low Care Facility and has also worked as a Nurse Educator for various aged care facilities both in high and low care settings. She has been involved in the implementation of standards to gain Accreditation within various facilities and has a strong background in infection prevention and control in the residential care setting.

Megan Thorpe has worked in palliative care for 20 years. She was previously Manager of the Sacred Heart Bereavement Counselling Service at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and now works in both private practice and at the Bereavement Counselling Service at Calvary Health Care Kogarah, in Sydney. She has worked as a Spiritual Care Counsellor for people facing the end of their life and has worked at the children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, run by the Children’s Hospital, Westmead. Megan is experienced at individual face to face therapy, running support groups, acting as an advisor and consultant in bereavement and end of life support. She has presented at a number of national conferences on the topics of grief, bereavement and spiritual care. She also teaches mindfulness and meditation.

Dr. Rik Dawson is an aged care physiotherapist, former managing director of Agewell Physiotherapy, and the President Elect of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Rik is a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney. Rik focuses on the effectiveness of physiotherapy, exercise, and telehealth in reducing falls and improving mobility among older people.

"Sharon's interest in work health and safety (WHS) began as a technical officer at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (now ANSTO), where her career started. Sharon was awarded the Master of Occupational Health and Safety post graduate qualification, the Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and is a certified member of the Safety Institute of Australia. Sharon is an Approved Training Provider and nominated trainer to deliver the SafeWork NSW approved five day Health and Safety Representative (HSR) course; and a member of VET professional network. Sharon prides herself on her commitment to providing quality services and exceeding client expectations. "

Katrina is a registered nurse with over 16 years in the Australian aged care industry, holding leadership roles in both community-based and residential services. With a particular passion for supporting those living with dementia, Katrina has made it her mission to elevate the standards of care across Australia, ensuring that individuals with dementia receive the compassion and individualised support they deserve. Katrina holds a Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing and a Master’s in Person Centred Dementia Care from the University of Wollongong. Her clinical expertise, leadership experience, and advocacy for dementia care make her a respected figure in aged care, driving positive change and promoting excellence in nursing practice across Australia. Katrina is also a nurse practitioner candidate, currently studying through Flinders University.

Brett Stevens has 30 years experience in the fields of emergency, safety and security risk management with a background in emergency management, industrial fire rescue, policing, military, medical and security. In the area of Fire Rescue, he has worked as an Emergency Service Officer at a number of gas, construction and remote mining field sites. Since 2003, he has worked with and advised the aged care community in the area of emergency management and security.

Debra Parker holds a Masters in Professional Education & Training and brings 18 years’ education leadership experience across community, disability and workplace learning environments, to her current role as Knowledge Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation. Debra has a strong passion for inclusive and flexible learning environments which recognises the individual in the learning journey. The Epilepsy Foundation provides support for people living with epilepsy and their families to help them live better lives as defined by them. As Knowledge Manager Debra works strategically to support effective transfer of knowledge; knowledge which enables the Epilepsy Foundation to deliver on its mission to raise awareness of epilepsy in the broader community, to reduce stigma, and to create a more welcoming and inclusive society.

Margaret Armstrong is the Falls Prevention Coordinator for the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Margaret has been the NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator since 2006; inclusive of managing falls prevention in acute, community and residential aged care settings, and the Stepping On programs. She has a background in acute and community Occupational Therapy, Injury Management in Health Promotion, and a master’s degree in Health Science Education.

With thirty years of Speech Pathology clinical practice Jenny has extensive experience working with people who are living with swallowing, feeding and communication difficulties. She has worked widely in the aged care, rehabilitation, acute care and outpatient settings in Australia and the UK. Originally training as a Speech Pathologist in the UK, Jenny undertook further study and graduated from Macquarie University, Sydney in 2003 with M.A. Communication Disorders. She has worked in research, teaching and clinical supervision at Sydney, Macquarie and currently at Australian Catholic University. Jenny has a special interest in the area of aged care both in promoting safe mealtime environments and in addressing the facilitation of communication and engagement for people living with dementia. Jenny is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia and currently works in her own mobile private practice, Forest Speech Pathology, based in the Northern suburbs of Sydney.

Leigh is the manager for the Aged Care Emergency Program at Hunter Primary Care. She has worked with the program since 2013. Leigh has extensive experience in program management and implementation, building communication networks and engagement of stakeholders. She managed a number of practice improvement programs over the past 10 years. Leigh enjoys the challenge of implementing new models of care and supporting managers to work with their teams to affect cultural change.

Melanie Tan is a medical practitioner and a lawyer. Melanie consults and advises in clinical governance, with a focus on aged care, disability and community services. She works closely with care organisations, taking into account their individual needs (and those of their clients) to give clinical governance life and meaning - from board level through to the front line. Melanie's work includes high-level review of frameworks and governance activities; detailed review of process and policy; advice on embedding clinical governance in leadership and culture; and development/delivery of training. As a medical practitioner, Melanie understands how clinical governance translates into practice and the challenges of care delivery at the front line. As a lawyer, Melanie understands the regulatory landscape within which care is delivered, and risk.

Linda Starr is a general and psychiatric qualified nurse, lawyer and Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Her research interests have been in health law, criminal law, profiling and offender behaviour, forensic practice, forensic nursing, and elder abuse investigation. Linda has been nursing since 1971 and was admitted to the Supreme Court as a solicitor in 1996, completing a Masters in Law in 1998. Linda is currently enrolled in a PhD program, researching the links between reporting elder abuse and the successful investigation and prosecution of offenders by police. Linda is a member of a team of academics from Flinders University and Johns Hopkins University (USA), developing a co-badged online continuing education program on forensic health for medical officers, paramedics, nurses and midwives.

Marta Woolford has trained and worked in academic, public health, and non-profit roles. In these roles, she has supported organisations to deliver evidence-informed, person-centred, best practice care and services. In 2022, Marta will complete her PhD in the epidemiology and prevention of deaths from unexplained absences among nursing home residents. She has a consistent focus on linking research with policy and practice, and engaging communities and organisations to build collaborative relationships and deliver the best quality of life for older persons.

Julie has a clinical background as an Intensive Care Nurse and educator in major teaching hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney. She has a Master’s degree in bioethics from Monash University and, as a former Manager of Clinical Ethics and Policy in the NSW Ministry of Health, she has a passion for, and has lead in the promotion of clinical ethics and public health ethics in the NSW health system. She is a member of the Advisory Board to the Centre for Agency, Values and Ethics at Macquarie University and a peer reviewer for the Journal of Bioethical Enquiry.

After attaining a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) at the University of Newcastle in 2002, Rachel Freeman spent 3 years working in Inpatient/Outpatient Service roles within various locations in New South Wales and Victoria within the public health system. This work experience provided Rachel with clear insight into the needs of patients with diabetes and a desire to develop a meaningful career in this field. In 2007, Rachel obtained a Graduate Certificate (Diabetes Education), as well as establishing a private dietetics and diabetes education consultation practice in Perth of which she was the Director until 2011. From 2011-2013, Rachel continued clinical work as a Diabetes Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for NSW Health. During this time, Rachel was also involved in national policy reviews and national guideline development for various projects relating to people with diabetes. In 2015, Rachel completed a Master of Science (Diabetes) with a project to evaluate the ADEA mentoring program.

A/Professor Colm Cunningham is Director of The Dementia Centre HammondCare, with an Australian and International team of over 200 staff. The centre’s priorities are building design, understanding the causes of behaviour, life engagement, models of care and end of life care. Colm has published extensively and has over 30 years’experience in older age care. Colm is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of NSW in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a Visiting Fellow in Dementia Design.

Craig Gear is health care consultant with over 20 year’s experience in senior management and within the health sector. Craig is working towards a better level of healthcare for all Australians and internationally, focused on using his health, senior management and nursing knowledge to deliver value and improvement - be that health advisory, volunteer governance or international community development.

Carolina Valencia Coleman is a social justice and diversity consultant, who is an experienced program, project developer and facilitator. Over the past 18 years, Carolina has specialised in inclusive practice, working across migrant and refugee health, youth sector, aged care, community health and language services. Carolina has worked within Not-for-Profits, Local Governments, State Government agencies and most recently in partnership with the Department of Health, embedding diversity practice in aged care services. Carolina’s goal has remained the same within all of these different sectors. She has worked to support mainstream services to respond and implement redesigned services, in partnership with their diverse consumer groups. Most recently, Carolina has begun decolonising practices to unfold her stories, practices and approaches, as well as designing and delivering anti-racism training for organisations, programs and individuals.

Joshua is a member of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. He specialises in geriatric and palliative care medication and has been a hospital and community pharmacist for the past 10 years. Joshua has also had tenure as a university tutor at Sydney University, teaching topics from dispensing to pharmacotherapy.

Donna Dark is the Manager of Governance, Risk and Compliance at the IRT Group DBA, and a candidate at the University of Wollongong, Faculty of Business and Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA). She is the not-for-profit Risk Network Leader 2014 to present, has a BSc (Human Movement Science), Grad Dip OHS, MBA, is a RMIA member and a governance professional, who has worked in the areas of quality, risk management, internal audit, compliance and insurance program management in the health and aged care sectors over the past 15 years.

Dr Karen Watson is a lecturer with the University of Technology Sydney where she coordinates and teaches aged care. She is a registered nurse and academic focused on promoting evidenced-based care for older people and support to their carers in a variety of health settings.

Dr Catriona Lorang is a registered psychologist who has been working with HammondCare's Special Care Unit at Southwood for 9years. More recently, she has joined the Dementia Centre research team at HammondCare. She has a PhD in psychology, focused on the clinical problems of depression management. Catriona has published and presented in the areas of dementia and severe behavioural disturbances and missing persons support services. Her areas of expertise include behaviour management strategies for people with severe dementia, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

Clinical Practice Manager - Residential Aged Care RN BSc PGDipSci MPhil (Nursing) DipTeach (Tertiary) Specialises in practice development for nurses and other frontline staff working in RAC for Bolton Clarke

Therese Jepson, RN, BN (Hons), MN (Clinical Teaching & Learning) Therese has worked in the Aged Care Rapid Response Team (ARRT), an acute aged care outreach service working from Royal North Shore and Ryde Hospitals in Northern Sydney as a Clinical Nurse Consultant for the past 6 years. Therese has 40 years nursing experience in England and Australia. For most of her career Therese has worked in the community setting and hospital in the home services. Therese is innovative and seeks opportunities to improve practice and build capacity in aged care facility staff.

Simon Lewis is a Consultant Neurologist, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow and Professor of Cognitive Neurology at Macquarie University. He completed his Neurology training at Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square London. He has published over 300 peer review papers, 2 books and 8 book chapters and has helped to attract over $40 Million in funding from various sources including the NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and Michael J Fox Foundation to support his research targeting Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and related conditions.

Daniel is a physiotherapist at the University of Sydney with teaching and research responsibilities. He is currently completing a PhD that focuses on safer mobility behaviour for fall prevention in people with Parkinson’s disease. Daniel is a research physiotherapist at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health (IMH) in their physical activity, ageing and disability arm, and is currently the APA NSW Gerontology chairperson.

Dr Karen Abbey (B. Sc Hon Human Nutrition, Grad Dip Nutr & Diet Master Health Science Management, PhD (Residential Aged Care Foodservices), Cert IV Assessor and Trainer, Cert III Commercial Cookery Services) is a Foodservice Dietitian and Special Dietary Chef who has worked extensively across the foodservice sectors in Australia and internationally. She is the Director of Nutrition and Catering Consultancy, promoting quality in the food service system, providing a range of training options, recipe development, and finding practical solutions for those in care by working with food services and the food manufacturing industry. Karen delivers an extensive food service review/audit service and Standard 6 Menu and Meal Assessments. She is highly regarded for assisting aged care homes to meet standards, finding efficacies within the food service system, and providing training to upskill staff to ensure the best level of care for residents.

Jane MacKintosh is a Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Consultant working on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia with a particular interest in education and improving end of life care in all settings. She has a Masters in Palliative Care from Flinders University. She has been a member of Australasian Palliative Link International (APLI) since 2014 and joined the APLI executive in 2018. Jane has worked in Specialist Palliative Care roles in Australia and New Zealand since 1998, across acute hospital consultancy, inpatient hospice, community and Residential Aged Care services. In the 1990’s, she spent 7 years in Tanzania, East Africa working alongside a team providing care for people with HIV AIDS. In recent years she has been an APLI Project Hamrahi mentor in North Eastern and North Western India.

Dr Claudia Meyer is a Senior Research Fellow in the Bolton Clarke Research Institute in Melbourne. Claudia combines her research skills with clinical physiotherapy experience, particularly for older people and their carers. Her field of interest is implementing research evidence into practice and policy, underpinned by a health equity focus, specifically in the areas of dementia care and frailty/falls prevention.

Mick is a self-motivated and enthusiastic Learning and Organisational Development professional with over 30 years’ experience working in the public sector and 15 years’ experience as a trainer. Mick joined Citation in 2017 after 4 years as a Care Quality Commission Inspector, two years of which he spent training 600 new CQC Inspectors. Mick has sound knowledge of the care sector, learning and development, equality and diversity, cultural change and the ability to translate complex legal guidance and procedures into practical easy to follow solutions. “I have a passion for people and organisational development to raise performance and improve care services throughout the UK.” He worked at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for 7 years as the Equality and Diversity Manager, trained all 900 staff on a two-day equality course and supported senior managers with the cultural change agenda. He also worked at the Child Support Agency as a trainer and Executive Officer and prior to that worked as a National Insurance Inspector at the Department of Work and Pensions. Mick is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD), a qualified coach (CMI Level 5) and won the Communities and Local Government Individual Award for “Leadership” for his work with the disabled community in 2008.

Lisa Woodman is the founder of Lisa Jane DDC (Dementia with Dignity and Care) and has extensive experience in Dementia consultancy and support. While working in the aged care sector she has trained community and residential staff on caring for people living with dementia, their family, and carers. Lisa’s strategic direction for aged care and home care organisations is to promote the identity and respect of the person with dementia. Lisa completed her PhD on the lived experiences of those living in the community after their spouse was admitted into an aged care facility, and holds a Master’s Degree in Aged Care Management, together with a Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing.

"Jo-Anne Harvey is a highly experienced Heart Recovery Program Clinical Nurse Specialist in cardiology, with over 30 years of post-registration experience. She has spent the past seven years as the Clinical Nurse Specialist 2 and Program Coordinator for Cardiac Rehabilitation at Fairfield Hospital. Her diverse clinical background spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, including roles in Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Interventional Radiology, and the Cardiac Catheterisation Lab. She has also worked extensively in outpatient services, including the Budyari Cardiac Clinic, Aboriginal Health programs, and Heart Failure Outreach. In 2024, Jo-Anne contributed her expertise to the NSW State Working Party for the Flexible Diuretic Regimen and the State Working Party for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Priority Pathway."

Elissa Coates is a Person Handling Specialist committed to partnering with facilities to develop systemic structures that allow for safe and effective resident movement and transfers. Originally a physiotherapist, she combines her ergonomic, human movement and legislative background with a postgraduate study in Safety, Training and Management. Her vast exposure to complex cases, bariatric handling, facility planning, and the completion of specialist training both locally and internationally means she brings a fresh and holistic approach to how we move and handle people.

Dr Kathleen Finlayson (RN, PhD) has a Masters in Primary Health Care and undertook her PhD in the area of chronic wounds. In 2013 she was awarded a National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Research Fellowship and works in the School of Nursing and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at Queensland University of Technology. Over the past 20 years Kathleen has worked on research projects relating to wound management and prevention, primary health care and service delivery, chronic disease management, evidence based practice and implementation science.

Mark Elliott is a Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal man, whose family are the Trevorrow’s, from the Coorong area of South Australia. Mark spent 6 years as the Aboriginal Community Development Officer for the Adelaide Hills Community Health Service (Country Health SA) and managed the Tumake Yande Aboriginal Elders Program, in Murray Bridge SA. Most recently, Mark worked as the Aboriginal Project Officer for the Catalyst Foundation SA (formally the Seniors Information Service) part time, until he retired in June 2017. Previously, Mark was a member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dementia Advisory Group (NATSIDAG) for Alzheimer’s Australia and continues to have a passion for working in the area of dementia, especially within Aboriginal communities. Mark has facilitated training in dementia learning resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and spent two years developing and delivering the Strengthening Dementia Care in Indigenous Communities. Mark chairs the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing Advisory Group and continues to deliver training in Aboriginal cultural diversity.

Kate McLeod is a Senior Clinical Nurse Advisor in Chronic & Complex Care (Continence & Urology) and has been working in the area of continence and urology for 15 years. She is currently undertaking a Master of Nursing in Continence and Urology. Kate has presented at conferences internationally and is passionate about providing healthcare and health education that is best practice and evidence based.

Drew is a Registered Nurse who is currently employed at Uniting Care NSW & ACT in the role of Senior Learning and Development Consultant – Clinical Excellence. He has extensive clinical experience in Aged and Acute care (particularly Emergency Services) having worked in senior clinical and education roles in both of those specialties. He holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Health Science (Education) and a Master of Critical Care Nursing (Emergency).

Since 2001, Suzie Ferrie AdvAPD, CNSC has been the Critical Care Dietitian at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where the majority of her patients are on nutrition support. She has also worked as the dietitian in a Home Enteral Nutrition service, in a Brain Injury Unit and in clinical areas such as oncology and neurology. Suzie is also a Clinical Affiliate lecturer at the University of Sydney and is completing a PhD looking at methods for nutritional monitoring in critically ill patients on nutrition support.

Julia Kittscha, ISLHD RN, BHSc (Nursing), Grad Cert STN, MN (Research), has been a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Stomal Therapy for 16 years. Her current role at Wollongong Hospital in NSW, Australia encompasses the acute setting, nurse led clinic, periphery hospitals and community. This also includes providing education for all levels of health professionals and community members who live with a stoma. During her career she has presented at national and international conferences. She has several journal publications and is a reviewer for the Journal of Stomal Therapy Australia. Previously she has been a tutor and writer for the Post Graduate Certificate in Stomal Therapy Nursing and currently is a preceptor for clinical placements. Her role within the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses includes State representation on the Education and Professional Development Committee. Julia has conducted research as part of a team and whilst completing her Masters by research. Her research experience is both quantitative and qualitative. She is passionate about Stomal Therapy Nursing and relishes sharing her skills to empower others.

Pamela has over 30 years of experience working with people living with dementia, in residential care, in the community, and through local Commonwealth government positions. She currently specialises in dementia education for family carers, staff in residential aged care facilities, community workers and volunteers. Her role also focuses on raising community awareness about dementia and its impact. Pamela is a Dementia Educator at Dementia Australia for NSW.

Robyn Kane is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years’ experience in delivering community care to the aged care community. Starting her community career as a District Nurse, she has worked in a variety of management roles, including National Manager of Home Care, leading a team of managers, nursing and personal care workers. As a General Manager with one of the largest Australian owned not-for-profit healthcare service providers, her goal is to facilitate the delivery of quality aged care services to clients in their homes.

Nicole Challen is a Safety and Wellbeing Manager with over 13 years; experience managing complex and diverse work teams in a variety of complex work environments. Her specific strengths in leadership and engagement of managers and employees to achieve a positive safety culture and work environment.

Jennifer has been working as the Urology Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Royal North Shore Hospital for the past 4 years. As a registered nurse in Australia for the past 15 years, Jennifer has extensive knowledge in general, surgical and medical nursing practice. She is also an educational officer and executive committee member, of the Australia New Zealand Urological Nurses Society NSW-ACT Section. Her passion is to improve urological practice and lead junior clinicians via education.

Richard Stephens is the Director of Client Services with Emcorp Group and a certified Black Level Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Hazardous Materials Technician. He has a background working in government agencies, specialising in responses to chemical, biological and radiological events. Richard has acted as the Chairperson for health service outbreak committees, dealing with pandemic responses and has also assisted companies internationally with SARS, MERS, Bird Flu and other commercial risks.

Kylie Elder Is a Registered Nurse, holds a Master of Nursing Science and has worked as a Diabetes Foot Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), Project Manager and Wound CNC. Her focus is on wounds and skin integrity and she loves nothing more than making a difference to the lives of those with chronic wounds. Kylie is currently a committee member of the education pillar and of the aseptic technique working party for Wounds Australia. She has presented at conferences and has been published on product funding and wound healing.

Sylvie Silver is the Executive Director of the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA), where she is responsible for all aspects of the charity’s work. NAPA is recognised as the thought leader around Activity Provision and Sylvie is the key influencer in achieving this. Sylvie‘s hands on experience was gained working in a nursing home for older people and prior to that with adults with learning disabilities. Since then she has worked with, and trained, hundreds of care staff from senior management to grassroots workers to raise the profile of meaningful engagement and a life full of love and laughter. In 2016, Sylvie became a Churchill Fellow on completion of a research project into the training of activity staff in Australia and the USA.

Katrina Bailey is the Director of Bailey Consulting and Training Pty Ltd, with extensive experience in a wide range of subjects within the Aged Care Industry. Katrina has her Master in Human Resources Development and consults on a variety of organisational compliance and risk programs. Katrina also works with organisations in developing and implementing strategies to manage change and conflict, as well as providing leadership support and developing effective performance management programs.

Jeneafer Pei Pei Yee is a clinician with over 14 years of experience across residential aged care, community, and acute care settings. Her background spans frontline nursing, clinical education, compliance, governance, and quality management. She is passionate about supporting person-centred, dignified care, particularly in palliative and end-of-life contexts.

Kim Hindle holds a Master’s degree in Gerontology and a Master’s in Health Service Management. With a strong foundation in community, primary, and aged care nursing, she is passionate about enhancing outcomes for older adults. In recognition of her dedication to education, Kim received a Teaching Excellence award in 2023 for her ongoing contributions to the Palliative and End of Life Care course at Queensland University of Technology.

Tara is a legal practitioner with 35 years’ experience with a passion for demystifying elder law and human rights for older South Australians. Currently the Director of the Aged Rights Advisory and Legal Advisory Legal Service (ARALS), she previously worked for the Legal Services Commission of South Australia (“The Commission”) for 22 years, represented the Commission at the Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (APEA), and established and managed the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) Legal Representation Scheme. Tara also serves as a Board Director for Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) and sits on both the Prescribed Psychiatric Treatment Panel and the Human Rights Coercion Reduction Committee.

Jennifer Collins is a senior nursing leader and educator with more than 25 years of experience across acute care, aged care, private health services, and healthcare education. She holds a Master of Health Services Management from the University of New South Wales and specialises in clinical governance, regulatory compliance, workforce capability, and quality improvement supporting services for older people.

Paul Sadler is an experienced leader and influencer who brings an extensive range of experience from more than 38 years in the aged care sector. Paul has been a national and state CEO of aged care industry associations, CEO of a major aged care provider, and influencer of ageing policy, disability and community care programs for both national and state governments.

Frances Coombe has been the president of Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia (VADSA), as a volunteer, for 27 years, and has worked tirelessly as an advocate for people’s right to choose to end their suffering through VAD. She became involved in VAD advocacy when she realised that, despite optimal palliative care, some people do not die peacefully and are effectively forced to suffer without the choice of VAD. Prior to her role in VADSA, Frances worked in junior primary education for 10 years.

Beth has been working as the General Manager of Alwyndor Residential and Home Care Services since 2019 and has extensive executive and non-executive leadership and management experience in both public and private sector organisations including AnglicareSA and Southern Cross Care (SA & NT). Beth has a commitment to engaging with individuals and communities on issues that impact them and is passionate about making a difference in all that she does.

An experienced Hospitality Services Professional.

Senior leader and dietitian with extensive experience across a range of roles.

Experienced leader in driving social change and impact, specializing in crafting strategies and providing leadership across corporate, non-profit, and public sectors. Demonstrated expertise in fostering change within organisations on issues that matter. Combining my knowledge and insights into mental health and wellbeing with a strong business acumen, I offer a distinctive and influential skill set for organisations at the forefront of mental health, social and wellbeing services.